We are told "we are what we eat" — but the truth is "we are what we digest." This is a central teaching from Ayurveda that reminds us that it's actually the health and strength of our digestion that determines what we process and absorb from the nutrients we take in.
It's of course important to be intentional with what we eat, but it's equally important to help our bodies process it well so that we benefit from what we ingest to assimilate and eliminate it harmoniously too.
As busy creatives and business owners, what we eat can at times feel like an afterthought — a meal can feel like something we just have to do to keep going. That is no way to live, and over time wonky nutrition can lead to sluggishness, weak digestion, and imbalances that can continue to bring more challenges and less satisfaction to our lives. And it does not have to be that way! This is why I am gathering and sharing accessible tools for better health, energy levels, and overall mood here for you, including this simple probiotic shake recipe.
You have likely heard about the benefits of probiotics — microorganisms and good bacteria that help us process foods and contribute to a healthy gut biome. While we can get probiotic vitamins, as well as a myriad of packaged products that claim to have probiotics inside them too, I was thrilled to learn in my studies of Ayurveda about a simple probiotic shake that delivers easily digestible protein and naturally existing probiotics in a simple and gut nourishing drink that you can make at home with as little as two ingredients.
In Ayurveda, this simple probiotic shake is called "buttermilk," but it is not what we in the US think of as buttermilk. Instead, it is essentially the following recipe:
HOMEMADE PROBIOTIC SHAKE RECIPE
- 3 parts water
- 1 part yogurt
- (optional) 1-2 dates
Blend the above in a blender for about 15-25 seconds (depending on your blender), until well combined. The blending action changes the composition of the yogurt from a heavy and sticky protein to a drinkable and more readily available protein and probiotic that is easier to digest for all body constitutions. The dates add a bit of sweetness, plus they include fiber, vitamins, nutrients, antioxidants, and sustained energy.
SPRING VARIATION
During the spring, which is Kapha season in Ayurveda, we need a bit more warming and spicing flavors to break up stagnation and inspire fresh energy. Add a dash or two of any of the following warming spices to your shake in the spring:
- Ginger
- Turmeric + Black Pepper
SUMMER VARIATION
During the summer, which is Pitta season in Ayurveda, we need a bit more cooling spices to soothe and ground during the heat and intensity of the summer months. Add a dash or two of any of the following cooling spices to your shake in the summer:
- Coriander
- Cumin
- Fennel
FALL & WINTER VARIATION
During the fall and early winter, which is Vata season in Ayurveda, we need more warming and grounding spices to bring stability and vitality during the more dry and depleted months when nature is recovering and resting. Add a dash or two of any of the following spices to your shake in the fall and cooler months:
- Cinnamon
- Cardamom
- Nutmeg
Enjoy, my friend!
PS: You can find more of my resources rooted in Ayurveda here, and more of my recipes for your wellbeing here.
Keep blooming,
XX
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